What is a Notary Public?
A notary public helps protect individuals and businesses from fraudulent activities during the signing of documents and administration of oaths. A notary’s main objective is to ensure that a document is authentic, that it is not signed under duress or intimidation, and to properly verify the signer’s identity and signature.
Read on to learn a detailed overview of the role of a notary public and the benefits of using a notary public during the signing of documents and the administration of oaths.
A notary public (sometimes called a notary or a public notary) is an officer commissioned by the California Secretary of State to serve the public in non-contentious matters. Notaries typically perform the following duties:
1. Administer Oaths & Affirmations;
2. Certify the Acknowledgment of Documents;
3. Certify Affidavits;
4. Certify Depositions;
5. Issue Protests of Notes & Bills; and/or
6. Perform Civil Marriage Ceremonies.
Notarized Documents
The most typical notarial transactions involve the execution (signing) of documents. Such documents may include contracts, deeds, power of attorneys, health directives, home inspections, trust signings, corporate documents, or depositions.
The document signer must physically appear before the notary, prove his/her identity to the notary, and acknowledge his/her comprehension of the document and willingness to sign. The document signer must also affirm that the contents of the document are true.
The notary uses an embossing tool to verify his or her presence at the signing of the document. A notarized document can certify that the person whose signature is entered on the document personally appeared before the notary, established his or her identity, and personally signed the document in the presence of the notary.
Administration of Oath & Affirmations
As mentioned above, notaries also administer oaths and affirmations to individuals and public officials. An oath is a solemn promise of truthfulness made by the signer, witness, or office-holder. Oaths and affirmations should always be taken seriously by the oath-taker and administered with a degree of formality.
Benefits of Using a Notary Public
The benefits of using a notary public are simple. Notaries help protect individuals and businesses from illegal and intentional fraudulent activities. For instance, a notary may be called to testify on your behalf to authenticate evidence regarding the signing of documents, or the administration of an oath.
Evidence presented by the notary public will be difficult for a judge to keep out during a legal proceeding. A notary’s testimony will place your opponent in a difficult position if they have made fraudulent statements regarding the legal matter. Overall, a notary is the best impartial witness to have for the signing of important documents.
Attorney’s Certified Services provides notary public services throughout Bakersfield, Los Angeles, and San Jose. Our notary public services help reduce fraudulent activities regarding the administration of oaths and the certification of documents. Contact us at (888) 514-5067 to have your documents notarized. Our notary public is ready to assist you.
Sources:
Alternative Service via Facebook, Twitter or other Social Networks suggested by the Utah State Courts – by Jeff Karotkin